Morning Wire
Russia-US Talk Peace & Border Apprehensions Plummet | Afternoon Update | 2.18.25
Tue, 18 Feb 2025
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Chapter 1: What are the key topics covered in this episode?
The U.S. and Russia work toward peace, border apprehensions plummet, and Hamas is set to release several more hostages. I'm Daily Wire Editor-in-Chief John Bickley with Georgia Howe. It's Tuesday, February 18th, and this is your Morning Wire afternoon update.
Chapter 2: What happened in the Delta Airlines crash in Toronto?
After a Delta Airlines flight crash landed and overturned at Toronto Pearson Airport, the company's CEO is responding. The crash, which happened yesterday, injured nearly two dozen people. Video shows smoke and passengers fleeing the overturned aircraft. Here's some of the frantic evacuation.
With everything, drop it.
Officials say the plane encountered strong winds upon landing, causing it to turn upside down. Delta CEO Ed Bastian said in a statement that the hearts of the entire global Delta family are with those affected and gave special thanks to first responders. The FAA is investigating the crash as Toronto Pearson has resumed normal operations.
Chapter 3: How has severe flooding affected Kentucky?
Severe flooding in Kentucky has claimed over a dozen lives, including a mother and her seven-year-old daughter who were swept away in their vehicle. Daily Wire senior editor Ash Short has more.
Governor Andy Beshear confirmed the rising death toll and urged residents to stay off the roads as emergency crews continue rescue operations. Over 1,000 rescues have been carried out and nearly 39,000 homes remain without power. Parts of Kentucky and Tennessee received up to six inches of rain, with much of the affected areas now under a winter storm advisory.
President Trump has approved a disaster declaration, activating FEMA to assist with relief efforts as recovery begins.
Chapter 4: What framework for peace did the U.S. and Russia develop?
U.S. and Russian officials reportedly developed a framework for peace at their meeting today in Saudi Arabia. Daily Wire senior editor Cabot Phillips has more.
Today's discussions, led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, focused on a possible ceasefire, elections in Ukraine, and a broader peace agreement. Multiple foreign sources say new elections in Ukraine could be a key part of any such deal, and that both the U.S.
and Russia believe Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky has a low chance of winning re-election. And while Zelensky rejects the talks, many experts, including former Defense Intelligence Officer Rebecca Koffler, say Zelensky has boxed himself in by declaring martial law in the country. She told Fox that Putin views Zelensky as an illegitimate president.
Chapter 5: What is the controversy surrounding New York Mayor Eric Adams?
His presidency expired in May, and the Russians stated very clearly and unequivocally that they would only negotiate with some legitimate authority.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul met with New York City leaders today to discuss the future of Mayor Eric Adams. Daily Wire reporter Amanda Presa-Giacomo has the latest.
Adams, who denies the corruption charges, could see his case dismissed by the Justice Department, though calls for his resignation are growing. City Council Speaker Adrian Adams says he has lost the confidence of New Yorkers. Hochul has the power to remove Adams and says she is monitoring the situation closely.
If Adams is ousted, public advocate Jumaane Williams would serve as acting mayor until the next election.
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Hamas will release six more hostages on Saturday, as well as the remains of four hostages who were killed on Thursday. The deceased includes young children. Last week, the terrorist group threatened to delay releases, accusing Israel of violating the ceasefire, but later proceeded with the exchange. As part of the trade, Israel freed 369 Palestinian prisoners.
President Trump had warned Hamas to release all remaining hostages by Saturday or risk Israel resuming military action.
Apprehensions at our southern border are down 85% since this time last year. In January, migrant apprehensions fell to just over 61,000. That's down from 96,000 in December. Trump's executive orders deploying military support and expediting deportations are credited for the decrease. Officials say increased enforcement is freeing up resources to target criminal offenders.
Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco has officially entered the 2026 California governor's race, vowing to restore the promise of California by tackling crime and affordability. At a campaign event in Riverside, Bianco criticized Democratic leadership, blaming them for California's problems while positioning himself as someone who could bridge the partisan divides.
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